Fées Castle

Fées Castle, locally known as Château des Fées, which literally translates to Castle of the Fairies, lies on the north side of the city of Charleville-Mézières, in the Ardennes department in France.

Fées Castle was first built in 870 AD on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Meuse from its left bank. Archaeological evidence showed that it was destroyed by fire in the end of the 10th or beginning of the 11th century, probably by troops of the Archbishopric of Reims. Its earlier name is unknown but after its destruction it became known as Castle of the Fairies, although this probably is a faulty translation from 'castle defeated'.

At the beginning of the 16th century the castle was rebuilt by Francois d'Aspremont into a small fortified stately residence. He used it to control river traffic and impose tolls on boats and travelers. Francis I, Duke of Lorraine, banished and dismissed it later that century.

In 1629 the castle was mentioned as destroyed. The site was abandoned and taken over by nature. It was rediscovered in the 20th century and its foundations were consolidated.

The site of Fées Castle can not be visited. Too bad, because it offers great views over the river. As the site comprises only built up foundations without much architectural detail, it is not very interesting.

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